Linda Lael Miller Quote

Fulton laid a heavy hand on Emma’s knee, there in the larger of Chloe’s two parlors, and Emma quickly set it away. God’s eyeballs, Emma, Fulton complained in a sort of whiny whisper, we’re practically engaged! It’s not proper to talk about God’s anatomy, Emma said stiffly, squinting at the needlework in the stand in front of her before plunging the needle in. And if you don’t keep your hands to yourself, you’ll just have to go home. Fulton gave an exaggerated sigh. You’d think a girl would learn something, living in the same house with Chloe Reese. Emma’s dark blue eyes were wide with annoyance when she turned them on Fulton. I beg your pardon? Well, I only meant— I know what you meant, Fulton. A man has a right to a kiss now and then, when he’s willing to promise the rest of his life to a woman! Emma narrowed her eyes, planning to point out that he wasn’t the only one with a lifetime on the line, but before she could speak, Fulton grabbed her and pressed his dry mouth to hers. She squirmed, wondering why on earth those romantic English novels spoke of kissing as though it were something wonderful, and when she couldn’t get free, she poked Fulton in the hand with her embroidery needle. He gave a shout and jerked back, slapping at his hand as though a bug had lighted there. Damn it all to perdition! he barked. Emma calmly rethreaded her needle and went back to embroidering her nosegay. It was a lovely thing of pink, lavender, and white flowers, frothed in baby’s breath. It was never good to let a man get too familiar. Good night, Fulton, she said. Stiffly, Fulton stood. Won’t you even do me the courtesy of walking me to the gate? he grumbled. Thinking of the respectability that would be hers if she were to marry Fulton someday, Emma suppressed a sigh, secured her needle in the tightly drawn cloth, and rose to her feet. Her arm linked with his, she walked him to the gate. The